Williamstown’s Vedran Drakulic, a Bosnian refugee, is taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout for homelessness.
He heads Gandel Philanthropy, which will donate $2 for every $1 he raises.
Mr Drakulic aims to raise $25,000 in public donations – which would triple to $75,000.
He said Gandel Philanthropy had for many years supported programs for homelessness, particularly for young people who were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
“Personally, I also believe that in a country as blessed, affluent and strong as ours, we all have a duty really to try and help address homelessness and help people who are struggling,” Mr Drakulic said.
“Very often, it’s much more than just not having a roof over your head – there would be various family issues, there could be mental health problems, there could be other factors influencing a person ending up on the street.
“I believe that as a really strong, affluent and, I think, empathetic society, we all have a role to play, first of all to raise awareness but also to really try and find ways in which we can help.”
The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is a one-night event on June 21 in which business, community and government leaders sleep outdoors to support Australians experiencing homelessness.
To make donations, visit ceosleepout.org.au and search for “Vedran Drakulic”.
